Crusaders recall big guns to quell any Rebel uprising
Richie Mo’unga is among a host of rested and rejuvenated Crusaders back for their crunch clash against the Rebels in Sydney tomorrow.
Mo’unga, Sam Whitelock, Sevu Reece and George Bower will all start after All Blacks rest protocols ruled them out last week. Fresh from being named ‘‘Champion Crusader of the year’’ at the team’s awards evening, loose forward Ethan Blackadder also returns after missing two games due to concussion.
‘‘They’re itchy. They’re really itchy, they’ve been great,’’ head coach Scott Robertson said. ‘‘Those weeks for them are tough to watch, but also give them a full tank. Their energy is high, and they’ve led the week really well.’’
The return of the aforementioned players has been partially offset by the unavailability of Codie Taylor (All Blacks rest), and loose forward Cullen Grace.
All Black Grace hasn’t recovered from the hip-pointer injury which forced him off at half-time of last week’s 29-21 win over the Force in Christchurch.
The return of Blackadder, who was knocked out late in the team’s demolition job of the Reds is Brisbane on May 22, is timely against a team which likes to get stuck in at the breakdown.
‘‘That’s voted by the players.
That’s the one the boys look at,’’ Robertson said when discussing Blackadder’s award.
‘‘His relentless work ethic, what he’s been through the last couple of years, and then to put himself into the All Blacks frame for selection through the performances that have been exceptional.
‘‘He just won’t stop. The whistle stops him, that’s it. It means a lot to the players, the way they talked about him and announced him. Codie [Taylor] did it because he’d won the award the year before. It just shows how much he means to us, and gave him a lot of praise.’’
The Crusaders won’t know what’s required against the Rebels to reach the trans-Tasman final until about 11.45pm (NZT) on Friday, after the Highlanders play the Brumbies in Canberra. Equal on competition points (18) with the second-placed Highlanders, but 11 points adrift on points differential, they’ll without a doubt be rooting for the hosts to notch a second straight win over a Kiwi side.
But, should the Highlanders win, and win big, the Crusaders won’t just have to win, they’ll have to nab a bonus point, and chase down the points differential to pip their southern neighbours in the standings.
Leicester Fainga’anuku turned down offers from multiple codes to re-sign with the Crusaders through 2023.
It’s not the first time the 21-year-old has had league clubs sniffing about, either, given NRL sides, including the Parramatta Eels, were interested in him when he was at Nelson College.
His blockbusting form for the red-and-blacks this season ensured the Crusaders had stiff competition from both rugby and rugby league clubs.
‘‘I would be lying if I said there wasn’t any interest elsewhere. Definitely took a lot of meetings, talking to a few key people,’’ the Tasman product said.
‘‘At the end of the day, I owe this jersey a lot, and I’ve still got a lot to give at the age of 21. Looking at the next two years, I’m just here to bleed for this region and the people that support it.’’
Fainga’anuku, a member of the Crusader’s academy since he was 15, is one of the most destructive backs in the country, and has been tipped by some pundits to crack the All Blacks later this year.
As Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson said, he’s been critical to them this season, thriving at wing and at centre, where he’s filled in admirably for the injured Jack Goodhue and Braydon Ennor.
At 1.88m tall and weighing about 109kg, he’s been a nightmare for opposing defenders with his violent running style and fine offloading game.
So, it’s no wonder league clubs put offers to Fainga’anuku, who admitted he has interest in the code.
‘‘Obviously, something I’ve always kept my mind open to since I decided to switch from league code to union. It’s always still been a dream. But at the same time looking at it, I’ve still got a lot to give to this game in the rugby union world,’’ he said.
‘‘Brainstorming before the whole pen and paper [process], I realised this club has invested a lot in me since the day I left school.
They’ve looked after myself and my family. Signing for the next two years is a way to give back to not just the organisation itself, but my family and the people that believed in me to get to where I am today, and the supporters especially.’’
Fainga’anuku made just one appearance during his rookie year in 2019, before earning
11 caps last season, mostly off the bench. Now, he’s one of just four players – Codie Taylor, Bryn Hall and Michael Alaalatoa are the others – to play in all 13 games for the Crusaders this season, starting 12 of them, scoring three tries and assisting in various others.
‘‘I think that just comes with age . . . at the age of 21, there are no excuses to be sore after weekends and what not compared to the older guys,’’ Fainga’anuku said.
Robertson compared him to All Blacks great Tana Umaga, citing his ability to play on the wing, and the potential to become an excellent centre.
That will only help him reach his goal of making the All Blacks, Robertson said.
‘‘A bit like Tana, we’ve sort of mentioned the likeness of him. He was a winger who came on in and could play multiple positions.
‘‘He can kick a ball, he’s great defensively, really physical. So, he’s got attributes to play from 12 to wing.
‘‘His goal is to be an All Black, and that’s our job to help give him those skill sets and utility factor.
‘‘He’s only 21 – feels like he’s been around for a long time. There’s areas he has to grow in. We understand that. He’s tireless in his work ethic. He’s going to be a great Crusader.’’
Fainga’anuku is one of 10 Crusaders contracted through the end of the next World Cup year, while halfback Mitchell Drummond signed through 2024 earlier this week.
Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Jack Goodhue, Cullen Grace, Tom Christie, David Havili, Braydon Ennor, Quinten Strange and Mitchell Dunshea are also signed through
2023, while another half dozen players are locked in next year.